Objective Inducing human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) to Schwann cells-like cells (SCs-like cells) in vitro, and to evaluate the efficacy of transplantation of hAMSCs and SCs-like cells on nerves regeneration of the rat flaps. Methods hAMSCs were isolated from placenta via two-step digestion and cultured by using trypsin and collagenase, then identified them by flow cytometry assay and immunofluorescence staining. The 3rd generation of hAMSCs cultured for 6 days were induced to SCs-like cells in vitro; at 19 days after induction, the levels of S-100, p75, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured by ELISA in the supernatant of the 3rd generation of hAMSCs cultured for 6 days and the hAMSCs induced within 19 days. In addition, 75 female Sprague Dawley rats were taken to establish the rat denervated perforator flap model of the abdominal wall, and were divided into 3 groups (n=25). The 3rd generation of hAMSCs (1×106 cells) in the proliferation period of culturing for 6 days, the SCs-like cells (1×106 cells), and equal volume PBS were injected subcutaneously in the skin flap of the rat in groups A, B, and C, respectively. At 2, 5, 7, 9, and 14 days after transplantation, 5 rats in each group were killed to harvest the flap frozen sections and observe the positive expression of neurofilament heavy polypeptide antibody (NF-01) by immunofluorescence staining. Results The cells were identified as hAMSCs by flow cytometry assay and immunofluorescence staining. The results of immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, qPCR showed that the percentage of positive cells, protein expression, and gene relative expression of S-100, p75, and GFAP in SCs-like cells group were significantly higher than those in hAMSCs group (P<0.05). The results of ELISA demonstrated that the expression of BDNF and NGF was significantly decreased after added induced liquid 1, and the level of BDNF and NGF increased gradually with the induction of liquids 2 and 3, and the concentration of BDNF and NGF was significantly higher than that of hAMSCs group (P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of regenerated nerve fibers in group B was higher than that in groups A and C after 5-14 days of transplantation. Conclusion The hAMSCs can be induced into SCs-like cells with the proper chemical factor regulation in vitro, and a large number of promoting nerve growth factor were released during the process of differentiation, and nerve regeneration in flaps being transplanted the SCs-like cells was better than that in flaps being transplanted the hAMSCs, which through a large number of BDNF and NGF were released.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of free vastus lateralis flap combined with skin grafting for repairing small- and medium-sized lacunar defects in the non-weight-bearing area of diabetic foot. Methods Between January 2022 and October 2023, 8 patients (8 feet) with small- and medium-sized lacunar defects in the non-weight-bearing area of diabetic foot were admitted. There were 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of 64.3 years (range, 58-76 years). The duration of the diabetic foot ulcer ranged from 2 to 7 weeks (mean, 4.3 weeks). The wound was located between the metatarsal bones in 4 cases, on the medial side of the foot in 2 cases, on the lateral side of the foot in 1 case, and on the dorsal and lateral sides of the foot in 1 case. The length of wound was 4.0-12.0 cm, the width was 3.0-5.0 cm, and the depth was 1.2-2.0 cm. The free vastus lateralis flaps were designed to repair the wounds, and skin grafting covered the vastus lateralis flaps. The length of the vastus lateralis flap was 5.0-14.0 cm, the width was 3.5-6.0 cm, and the thickness was 1.0-1.5 cm. The donor sites of the muscle flaps were directly sutured. Results The time for vastus lateralis flaps harvested ranged from 30 to 80 minutes (mean, 55.0 minutes), and the total operation time ranged from 125 to 170 minutes (mean, 147.5 minutes). All muscle flaps and skin grafts survived successfully, and the wounds and the incisions at the donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-24 months, with an average of 12.8 months. The appearances of 3 patients who did not follow the doctor’s instructions for pressure treatment of the muscle flaps were a little bloated, and the rest had a good appearance. The texture of the muscle flaps was soft. There were linear scars at the donor sites. There was no recurrence of ulcers during follow-up. All patients could walk independently without limitation of daily activities at last follow-up. Conclusion The application of free vastus lateralis flap combined with skin grafting to repair small- and medium-sized lacunar defects in the non-weight-bearing area of diabetic foot has the advantages of simple operation and time-saving as well as small damage to the donor site, with good repair effect, especially for the elderly patients who are not suitable for prolonged anesthesia.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of repairing temporal skin and soft tissue defects and reconstructing sideburns with superficial temporal artery composite perforator flap.MethodsBetween January 2018 and January 2019, 12 patients with temporal tumors were treated. There were 5 males and 7 females with an average age of 51 years (range, 37-68 years). There were 8 cases of basal cell carcinoma and 4 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 4 years (mean, 13 months). The area of residual wound after tumor resection was 3.8 cm×2.5 cm-5.2 cm×3.5 cm. The superficial temporal artery composite perforator flap was designed. The hairy superficial temporal artery frontal branch perforator flap was used to repair the hair growing area and reconstruct the sideburn; and the area of the flap was 2.5 cm×1.0 cm-4.2 cm×3.0 cm. And the superficial temporal artery descending branch perforator flap without hair was used to repair the hair-free area; and the area of the flap was 2.5 cm×1.5 cm-7.5 cm×4.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly.ResultsAll flaps survived, and the incisions at the donor and recipient sites healed by first intention. Eleven patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 9 months). The incisions were not obvious. The flaps were flat and the color of the flaps were not significantly different from the surrounding skin. The reconstructed sideburns were consistent with the healthy side and the facial appearance was satisfactory. No local tumor recurred during follow-up.ConclusionFor the temporal skin and soft tissue defects involving the sideburn, the superficial temporal artery composite perforator flap can be used to repair subunits with different aesthetic characteristics in sections and has the advantages of operating simply, obtaining satisfied facial appearance, and little effect on the donor site.
Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of rapamycin and deferoxamin on wound healing after ischemia and hypoxia. Methods The model of ischemia and hypoxia wound was made on the back of 40 SPF male adult Sprague Dawley rats, weight (300±20) g; they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): the control group (group A), deferoxamine intervention group (group B), rapamycin intervention group (group C), and deferoxamine+rapamycin intervention group (group D). At 3, 6, and 9 days after model preparation, rats of groups A, B, C, and D were intra-peritoneally injected with normal saline, deferoxamin (10 mg/kg), rapamycin (3 mg/kg), deferoxamin (10 mg/kg)+rapamycin (3 mg/kg) respectively. The wound healing was observed and the healing time was recorded in each group; the wound healing tissue was harvested to test the mRNA and protein expressions of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot at 2 days after wound healing. Results All rats survived to the end of the experiment, and wounds healed; the healing time of groups A, B, and D was significantly shorter than that of group C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A, B, and D (P>0.05). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression of mTOR mRNA in groups C and D was significantly decreased when compared with the expressions in groups A and B (P<0.05); there was significant difference between groups A and B (P<0.05), but no significant difference between groups C and D (P>0.05). The expressions of HIF-1α mRNA and VEGF mRNA were signi-ficantly higher in groups B and D than groups A and C, and in group A than group C (P<0.05), but there was no signifi-cant difference between groups B and D (P>0.05). Western blot showed that the relative expressions of mTOR protein in groups C and D were significantly decreased when compared with the expressions in groups A and B (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups C and D (P>0.05). The relative expressions of HIF-1α protein in groups A, B, and C were significantly increased when compared with expression in group D (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A, B, and C (P>0.05). The relative expression of VEGF protein were significantly lower in groups B, C, and D than group A, in group D than groups B and C, and in group C than group B (P<0.05). Conclusion Defe-roxamin can promote the wound healing of rats after ischemia and hypoxia, and the effect of rapamycin is opposite. It may be related to the existence of mTOR and HIF-1 signaling pathway in chronic ischemia-hypoxia wound.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of ulnar cortex transverse transport technique in treating upper extremity thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 7 male patients with upper extremity TAO who were admitted and met the inclusion criteria between January 2019 and July 2022. The patients ranged in age from 32 to 50 years, with a mean age of 40.1 years. The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months, averaging 13.6 months. The smoking history ranged from 8 to 31 years, with a mean of 18.4 years. All patients presented with finger ulcers or gangrene, including 1 case affecting the thumb and index finger, 1 case affecting the index and middle fingers, 1 case affecting the middle and ring fingers, 1 case affecting only the ring finger, and 3 cases affecting the ring and little fingers. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 9.1±0.7. All patients underwent treatment with the ulnar cortext transverse transport technique. The wound healing time and the disappearance time of rest pain were recorded. The VAS score was used to assess the degree of hand pain before and after operation. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured before operation and at 1 month after operation. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the affected limb was performed before operation and at 3 months after operation to evaluate changes in blood vessels. The clinical outcomes were evaluated at 1 year after operation based on the Patwa and Krishnan grading system. ResultsAll 7 patients were followed up 12-17 months, with an average of 13.7 months. All patients experienced successful healing of ulcers, with wound healing time ranging from 14 to 21 days, averaging 17.3 days. During the follow-up, no complication occurred, and there was no recurrence of ulcers. The disappearance time of rest pain ranged from 8 to 15 days, averaging 12.1 days. The pre- and post-operative (1-month) serum IL-6 levels were (25.1±5.9) pg/mL and (11.9±2.9) pg/mL, respectively, with a significant difference (t=5.363, P=0.002). CTA examination at 3 months after operation revealed partial revascularization of upper extremity arteries and establishment of collateral circulation, showing significant improvement compared to preoperative status. The VAS scores at 1, 7, 28 days, and 6 months postoperatively were 6.4±0.8, 3.7±0.8, 0.6±0.8, and 0.1±0.4, respectively, all of which significantly improved compared to preoperative scores (P<0.05). Furthermore, the VAS scores gradually decreased over time, with significant differences observed between postoperative time points (P<0.05). At 1 year after operation, the effectiveness of all 7 patients were evaluated as excellent based on the Patwa and Krishnan grading system. ConclusionThe ulnar cortex transverse transport technique can improve blood circulation in the upper limb of patients with TAO, reconstruct microcirculation, inhibit inflammation, promote ulcer healing, and alleviate limb pain.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet. Methods Between July 2017 and January 2023, 35 cases of hand and foot defects were repaired with plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue (13 pedicled flaps and 22 free flaps). There were 18 males and 17 females, with an average age of 38.8 years (range, 8-56 years). Thirty cases of defects were caused by trauma, and the interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 to 6 hours (mean, 3.3 hours). Three cases were ulcer wounds with a course of 3.0, 3.8, and 7.0 months, respectively. Two cases were malignant melanoma. Eight cases of wounds located in the fingers, 13 cases in the palm, 12 cases in the heel, and 2 cases in the distal foot. The size of skin defects ranged from 4.0 cm×3.5 cm to 12.0 cm×10.0 cm, and the size of flap ranged from 5.0 cm×4.5 cm to 13.0 cm×11.0 cm. The donor sites were repaired with skin grafts. Results All flaps were survived and the wounds healed by first intention after operation. The partial necrosis at the edge of the skin graft occurred in 1 case, which healed after dressing change; the other skin grafts survived successfully. All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 18 months). The flaps exhibited similar color and thickness to the surrounding hand and foot skin. Two-point discrimination ranged from 7 to 10 mm in the flaps with an average of 8 mm. The donor sites had no painful scars or sensory abnormalities. Foot and ankle functions were good and gaits were normal. ConclusionApplication of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet had good flap shape, high survival rate of skin graft at the donor site, and no obvious complications.
Objective To investigate the efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with topical oxygen therapy for deep II degree burn wounds, by comparing the effects of bFGF combined with topical oxygen therapy and bFGF with routine therapy. Methods From February 2004 to July 2009, 85 patients with deep II degree burn wounds (117 wounds) were enrolled and divided into 4 groups randomly according to different treatments. There was no significant difference in sex, age, disease course, wound size, and wound treatment size among 4 groups (P gt; 0.05). In group A, 18 patients (28 wounds) were treated routinely; in group B, 23 patients (30 wounds) were treated with routine methods and topical oxygen therapy; in group C, 19 patients (25 wounds) were treated with routine methods and bFGF therapy; and in group D, 25 patients (34 wounds) were treated with routine methods and bFGF/topical oxygen therapy. Topical oxygen therapy was administered to the wound for 90 minutes per day for 3 weeks. The bFGF therapy was appl ied everyday (150 U/ cm2) for 3 weeks. Results All cases were followed up 6-12 months (9 months on average). The wound heal ing times in groups A, B, C, and D were (27.3 ± 6.6), (24.2 ± 5.8), (22.2 ± 6.8), and (18.2 ± 4.8) days, respectively; showing significant difference between group A and group D (P lt; 0.05). The wound heal ing rates in groups A, B, C, and Dwere 67.8% ± 12.1%, 85.1% ± 7.5%, 89.2% ± 8.3%, and 96.1% ± 5.6%, respectively; showing significant differences between group A and groups B, C, D (P lt; 0.05). The therapic effective rates in groups A, B, C, and D were 75%, 90%, 92%, and 100%, respectively; showing significant difference between group A and group D (P lt; 0.05). The Vancouver scar scale scoring of group D 6 months after treatment was better than that of group A (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The bFGF combined with topical oxygen therapy can enhance deep II degree burn wound heal ing. Furthermore, the therapy method is simple and convenient.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of anterolateral thigh polyfoliate perforator flap plus pedicle with one foliate flap for repairing extremities soft tissue defect. Methods Between January 2014 and January 2017, 24 patients with extremities soft tissue defects were treated by anterolateral thigh polyfoliate perforator flap plus pedicle with one foliate flap. There were 15 males and 9 females, with a median age of 33.5 years (range, 5-64 years). Wounds located in upper limb in 8 cases, complicated with radial styloid fracture in 1 case, extensor tendon exposure in 3 cases, and brachioradialis muscle tendon exposed in 1 case. Wounds located in lower extremity in 16 cases, complicated with calcaneal or metatarsal, phalangeal fractures in 4 cases, Achilles tendon departure in 1 case, toe long extensor tendon and flexor digitorum longus tendon exposed in 8 cases. The wound area ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 18 cm×12 cm. According to wound size, anterolateral thigh perforators were detected by conventional ultrasound Doppler (2-5 perforators). The irregular wounds were decomposed into multiple parts and the leaf number (2-4 leaves) of polyfoliate flap depended on the part number of the wound. The flap area ranged from 9 cm×6 cm to 20 cm×14 cm, and the largest area of single leaf was 24 cm×6 cm. The vascular pedicle length ranged from 7 cm to 12 cm. The foliate flap area with protecting pedicle ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 7 cm×5 cm. Results All the flaps survived, and no vascular crisis occurred. All the patients were followed up 2-28 months (mean, 9 months). Sinus occurred in 1 case of calcaneal fracture after flap repair, and the sinus was healed after 3 months by conventional dressing. All the flaps were thin and had a good texture. Healing of soft tissue was found in 5 patients with fracture. The wrist and ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion function of recipient site were normal in all patients. Conclusion It is safe and reliable to repair the extremities soft tissue defect with anterolateral thigh polyfoliate perforator flap plus pedicle with one foliate flap. And it is one of the ways to reduce the vascular crisis of the anterolateral thigh free perforator flap.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back. Methods Between August 2018 and January 2023, the foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back of 8 patients. There were 5 males and 3 females with the age ranged from 21 to 56 years (mean, 35.4 years). Wounds were located in the shoulder in 2 cases and in the shoulder and back in 6 cases. The causes of injury were chronic infection of skin and bone exposure in 2 cases, secondary wound after extensive resection of skin and soft tissue tumor in 4 cases, and wound formation caused by traffic accident in 2 cases. Skin defect areas ranged from 14 cm×13 cm to 20 cm×16 cm. The disease duration ranged from 12 days to 1 year (median, 6.6 months). A pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was designed and harvested. The flap was divided into A/B flap and then were folded to repair the wound, with the donor area of the flap being pulled and sutured in one stage. Results All 7 flaps survived, with primary wound healing. One patient suffered from distal flap necrosis and delayed healing was achieved after dressing change. The incisions of all donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6 months to 4 years (mean, 24.7 months). The skin flap has a good appearance with no swelling in the pedicle. At last follow-up, 6 patients had no significant difference in bilateral shoulder joint motion, and 2 patients had a slight decrease in abduction range of motion compared with the healthy side. The patients’ daily life were not affected, and linear scar was left in the donor site. Conclusion The foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal method to repair the soft tissue defect of shoulder and back with simple operation, less damage to the donor site, and quick recovery after operation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of multiple tension reduction suture of in-situ return needle vertical mattress suture and in-situ return needle horizontal mattress suture combination with intradermal intermittent continuous suture (denominated as Zunyi’s Suture Method) on suturing the donor site of the anterolateral thigh flap. MethodsBetween January 2019 and December 2019, 62 patients were treated with anterolateral thigh flaps to repair wounds. There were 46 males and 16 females, aged 9-67 years (mean, 31 years). The size of anterolateral thigh flap ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×7 cm. The donor site of the flap was sutured directly by the Zunyi’s Suture Method. The skin on both sides of the incision was advanced to the middle, and the wound edge was attached and in a state of negative tension. The intradermal suture line was removed at 7 days after operation. The complications and scars at donor site were observed during follow-up. The Vancouver Scar Scale was used to assess the appearance of scars and the width of scars were measured at 6 months after operation.ResultsThe flaps survived smoothly, and the wounds healed by first intention. The incisions at donor sites healed by first intention at 2 to 3 weeks after operation. All patients were followed up 7-16 months, with an average of 10.7 months. There was no ischemic necrosis of the donor site or skin threading. There was pigmentation of the needle back point in the early stage, and the pigmentation completely disappeared after 3 to 6 months without scar hyperplasia. At 6 months after operation, liner scars were achieved in all the patients with an average Vancouver Scar Scale score of 2.5 (range, 1.0-3.5) and an average width of 2.4 mm (range, 0.8-9.1 mm). ConclusionThe suture of the donor site of the anterolateral thigh flap with Zunyi’s Suture Method can effectively reduce the tension on wound edges and scar hyperplasia.